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  • Updated for May 2025
  • Based on official North Carolina Driver's manual

Free North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2025

This North Carolina DMV practice test (commonly known as “DMV practice test NC”) has just been updated for May 2025, offering a comprehensive preparation tool that simulates the actual NC drivers license test. To legally drive in North Carolina, you’ll need to pass what is commonly referred to as the DMV permit test. It’s also known as the DMV permit test, driving test, DMV written test, driver’s license test, or simply the driver’s test. There are 25 questions on the North Carolina learner’s permit test, and you must answer 20 of them correctly to achieve the 80% passing score you need to get your permit. As North Carolina has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program, there are several types of learner’s permits. The youngest age at which you may be eligible to drive a vehicle with a Limited Learner Permit, which will only allow you to drive when supervised, is 15 years old. It will cost $20, and in addition to other requirements, you will need to pass a knowledge test. There are several requirements for each phase of the GDL program, so check the 2025 North Carolina Driver’s Handbook or NCDOT website before you apply. In order to pass the knowledge test, you will need to study the handbook, and it will also help to take DMV practice tests like this one. To help you prepare, we’ve designed this NC DMV practice test -- use it as your first step to prepare for the official exam. Covering 20 essential road signs and rules questions directly from the official 2025 NC Driver Handbook, this practice test is a reliable way to prepare for your NC permit test. And remember: there can never be too much practice. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to renew, our NC permit practice test is designed to mimic the structure and content of the official NC DMV test, setting you up for success.

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NC DMV driver's license
  • Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

4.29 out of 5 • 5765 votes
6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
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What to expect on the actual NC DMV exam

25

questions

20

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

15 y/o

minimum age to apply

List of questions (classic view)

  1. You can legally drive in the extreme left lane of a multilane highway when you are
  2. If you double your speed, your vehicle will travel ________ as far to brake to a stop.
  3. In North Carolina, the maximum speed limit in cities and towns is _______ except where otherwise posted.
  4. What does this sign indicate?
  5. When driving on a one-way street with three or more lanes of traffic, you must use
  6. You are driving on a road where the speed limit is 35 mph. If you want to make a turn, you must start to signal at least ________ before you turn.
  7. When two or more vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection (i.e., one without signs or signals) at about the same time, which vehicle has the right-of-way?
  8. This sign is posted on the left side of a roadway. What does it mean?
  9. To enter an interstate highway, use _________ until your vehicle's speed matches that of highway traffic and then merge safely.
  10. If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sounding a siren approaches you from either direction, you must
  11. What is the best way to handle a curve?
  12. What does this sign mean?
  13. When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a two-lane roadway, drivers approaching from either direction must
  14. You must not pass on a curve or the crest of a hill if you cannot see at least ________ ahead.
  15. Before pulling out from a parallel parking space on the right side of the road, you should check for approaching traffic and
  16. What does this sign indicate?
  17. A red arrow signal at an intersection indicates that
  18. This sign is
  19. In North Carolina, you must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is
  20. What does this sign mean?

FAQs

Is it possible to take the permit test online in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the DMV permit test must be taken in person at a DMV office. Online testing is currently not available for the permit test.

How challenging is the NC DMV permit test?

The difficulty of the NC DMV permit test varies for each individual. However, with adequate preparation and study, many applicants find it manageable. It's crucial to thoroughly review the NC Driver's Handbook and practice with sample tests.

Tips for passing the NC DMV permit test

To pass the NC DMV permit test, it's recommended to study the North Carolina Driver's Handbook extensively and take numerous practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter.

What is the Level 1 Permit Test in North Carolina?

The Level 1 permit test in North Carolina is for applicants under 18, which evaluates their knowledge of road rules and driving safety. It's the first step towards earning a graduated driver's license in the state.

Understanding the new 6-month permit rule in NC

The new 6-month permit rule in North Carolina requires that all learner's permit holders must wait at least six months from the permit issuance date before they can take the driving test for a provisional license.

Requirements for obtaining a NC learner's permit

To obtain a learner's permit in North Carolina, applicants must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, a road sign recognition test, and a vision test. Also, parental consent is required for applicants under 18.

Timeframe for obtaining a permit in North Carolina

The process to get a permit in North Carolina typically involves a short wait after passing the necessary tests. However, the exact time can vary depending on the DMV office's volume of applications.

Acquiring a driver's license at 18 without a permit in NC

In North Carolina, individuals aged 18 and older can apply for a driver's license without first obtaining a learner's permit. However, they still must pass the written knowledge test, road skills test, and vision exam.

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